A novel approach to architecting microchannel in pressure sensor for real-time wearable gait monitoring system

Abstract

A highly sensitive and reliable pressure sensor has been successfully fabricated by employing eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) liquid metal as the sensing material and EcoFlex 00–30 silicone as the substrate material via a low-cost fabrication process. The combination of durable mechanical properties in substrate and sensing material contributes to the sensor's superior stretchability and flexibility, resulting in an enhanced sensitivity (6556 kPa^− 1) and an reliable detecting range of over 1 MPa. The design of a microchannel with two independent sensing channels in a single device adds novelty to the sensor's architecture. The sensor not only detects applied pressure accurately but also distinguishes pressure distribution across a wide area. By leveraging these features, the sensor proves high efficiency in monitoring human walking gait at various speeds with a single sensor attached to the foot, differentiating between proper walking postures and indicating strong potential for clinical and rehabilitation applications in gait analysis.